I heard a bollywood song “Safar khubsoorat hai manzil se bhi (Your journey is beautiful than the destination)” and I believe this implies best to define the beauty of Ladakh. Although, here the destinations are even better.
Going through metallic roads, dust trails, worst of the worst roads, rustic civilizations, no signs of life for miles and miles, water crossings and what not, you will reach the best destinations.
Having said that, below are the must visit places to discover the best of Ladakh:
Kargil War Memorial – Remembering the heroes
Also known as the Dras War memorial as it is located in town of Dras in Kargil District. The memorial is on the Srinagar-Leh Highway. It was built by Indian Army in the memories of the Indian Soldiers martyred in the 1999 – War of Kargil with Pakistan. This place will fill you patriotism and will enlighten you with the history of the place and also the strategic importance of the area. It is around 5 kms from the Tiger Hill which was re-captured by the Indian soldiers from the Pakistani’s and India ultimately won the war on 26th July, and this is proudly celebrated as Vijay Diwas every year. There is a small shop which sells mugs, badges and other small items and can be bought by anyone to celebrate being protected by one of the most respected armies
in the world.
Magnetic Hill – The no Gravity Zone
Just about 26 km from Leh City towards Srinagar on NH1 is a sign board : Magnetic Hill – The phenomenon that defies gravity. There are multiple beliefs around this place, as per locals this is a “road to heaven”. Although some theories says it is because of an optical illusion. The road is actually downhill but due to the terrain it creates an illusion and some even say this is due to the magnetic force of the Earth, which pulls the vehicle uphill. We would definitely suggest you to visit this place yourself and experience the wonder.
Pangong Tso – The “3 Idiots” Lake
Well well well, I guess this place needs no introduction. This lake is famous due to one of the bollywood movies – “3 Idiots”. This is a lake in Lukung Village in Leh District. This late is known to change its colors through the day at different times appearing green, red and blue. It is world’s highest saltwater lake which seems dyed in some out of the world blues which are in sheer contrast to the arid mountains and picture perfect blue skies with random hints of clouds. Trust me, no words can describe the beauty it beholds for you. You have to see it yourself to capture all of it and I am pretty sure you’ll never have enough of it.
Lamayuru – The Moonland
Are you among those children who have listened to lullabies about moon and have always looked upto moon and thought what is it and why it is? There is officially a place in Ladak with “Lunar” landscape. Yes its true! There is a village approximately 100 Km from Leh which is famous for its “moon” like terrain and the oldest gompa in the region – Yuru Gompa. It is believed that the unique terrain is a result of a large lake drying up. The place seems magical and out of the world. At this place you actually don’t have to bother much about the background. Every picture is going to be insta ready!
Khardung La – Almost The Top of the World
“Welcome to the top of the World” – reads a sign board as soon as you reach this famous pass. This was the highest motorable roads in the world at the height of 18,380ft until Umling La was recently opened for the tourists. This place have a significant history in the Ladakhi culture. Khardung la was also part of the ancient silk route. It is also a very important landmass for our Indian forces strategically. It is maintained by BRO. Khardung La is gateway to Shyok and Nubra Valley beyond which lies the Siachen Glaciers. It is an adventure to be on this road and for some reason you’ll feel proud of yourself to be there. It is highly advisable to not be there on the top for more than 15-20 mins and also to not involve in physically tiring activities as the oxygen levels are really low due to the altitude and it can lead to
serious complications(AMS being one of them).
Spituk Monastery – The Exemplary Gompa
The word Spituk means exemplary and this was the name given by Rinchen Zangpo(translator). This monastery was founded in 11th Century by Od-de, the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub Od during his visit to Maryul. The Gompa is also said to be blessed by Arhat Nyimagung, a famous scholar in ancient times. It is around 8 Km from Leh. This place beholds lot of significance for Buddhism and one can dive in spiritual atmosphere and indulge in some meditation and internal reflection to refresh and reset from within. The place is atop a hill near Indus river and is a really tranquil place.
Hanle – The Window to the Milky Way
Hanle – Dark night reserve, is one of the highest space observatories in the world. It also behold the famous Hanle Gompa – a 17th century monastery. The nights here are cold and dry and this place barely gets any snowfall, due to which this place was chosen to set up the space observatory as the moisture in air absorb lot of light hindering to the visuals. So, overall this is the heaven for astro-tourists and photographers as the sky is very clear and you can literally see the milky way through naked eyes. This place is in Changthang region, approximately 270Km from Leh. It is a very raw and rustic civilization and is best to experience the nomadic and remote life. It will fill you will all the calm you seek. In my opinion this is a must visit place in Ladakh region.
Hemis National Park Wild Life Sanctuary – The land of Snow Leopards
This place is known to have highest density of snow leopards in the entire world in single protected area. Also, this is one of the largest national parks in entire south Asia. The sanctuary is rich in varied flora and fauna. It is a land of more than 73 birds and over 16 mammals. This place have lot of things to offer if you are a photographer or an adventure seeker with multiple trekking options. Hemis also have one of the richest monasteries.
Nubra Valley – Valley of Flowers
It is approximately 160 km from the Leh city beyond Khardung la pass. It is a complete destination in itself where terrain and mountain colour changes after every 20-30 kms. There are white sand dunes(yes the famous cold dessert), crystal clear rivers Nubra and Shyok, picture perfect mountains and roller coaster of roads. Nubra valley is situated between Karakoram and Himalayas. This valley There are multiple things to do in Nubra valley from ATV rides to camel safaris. The camels here are rare – yes the only place where you can find double humped camels. There are multiple places to visit including Hunder, Dikshit, Turtuk and India’s last village for tourists – Taksi(Tyakshi). These places are really close to actual LOC and hence sometimes it is closed for tourist due to border tensions.
Tso Moriri – The Mountain Lake
This lake is in Changthang region of Ladakh and is believed to be sacred. When you visit this place you will surely feel like the word under-rated is meant for places like these. I am not sure why this is not much talked about. This is one of the most beautiful water bodies one can experience. This place is very less crowded and
is filled of calm. This places is a must visit place in entire Ladakh circuit.
I know I said top 10 places but I think if I miss one the below, it will not serve justice to the places
Umling La pass – Top of the World
The actual top of the world – this is the new official highest motorable pass in the world. This is at 19,300 feet, which makes it really difficult yet full of adventure. Umling la pass is higher than the Everest base camp and also higher than the Siachen Glacier. This is on Chisumle – Demchok road and is strategically really important for connectivity. This entire stretch of road is built under Project Himank by BRO. This place is close to Chinese border and sometimes might
affect the acessibility for tourist(if you are having a bad day already).
Puga Valley – The new Viral
This place recently caught eyes when it was shared by some vloggers on their reels, post which this place is under limelight and on must visit places on every tourist’s list. This is a unique place where 2 continental plates meet and due to which this place have lot of geothermal energy which results in lots of sulphur and borax deposits, which in return have made this place rich in flora and fauna which includes many varieties of birds. One can indulge in hot spring bath which is said to be beneficial for health and cure to many skin related diseases.
Planning a trip to Ladakh in 2023? We got you covered. You’ll find all the details on this website.
It is a dream for almost everyone to travel to Ladakh once – with friends or solo but you definitely have this in your bucket list.
The word Ladakh means a country of mountain passes and having said that there are multiple high passes you’ll be covering in this entire journey, including one of the highest passes motorable road in the world as well. There are multiple myths, beliefs and folklores popular among the locals. So just be prepared to get mesmerized by a entire rejuvenating experience. But, before diving deep in the planning, please respect the locals and their beliefs.